halkid2's review
dark
emotional
informative
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Nancy Horan’s debut novel LOVING FRANK tells the story Mamah Borthwick Cheney (1869-1914), a well-educated, intelligent, and gifted woman who deserts her life as an Oak Park, IL housewife to follow her lover, the legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959). Their ten-year love affair was quite a press and public scandal back at the turn of the 20th century. But while their story is certainly full of drama, I didn’t find author Nancy Horan’s telling of it all that compelling. At least not until the dramatic events of their lives trumps all else. Awarded four stars (mostly because of the events in their lives) but 3.5 would be a more accurate overall evaluation of the novel.
Wright is at the beginning of his career when Mamah and her husband hire him to build them a new home. At the time, he is married with six children but has not yet attained the professional success he would later achieve. However, his revolutionary ideas about embedding nature within home design appeals to both Cheneys. No one expected that Mamah and Frank would discover they were artistic and creative soulmates.
When Mamah leaves her husband and two young children to follow Frank to Europe, she becomes his chief muse and he, in turn, encourages her to put her formidable language skills to work. Mamah begins translating the outspoken ideas of Swedish feminist Ellen Key. Frank works to expand his reputation and clientele and Cheney finds satisfaction in earning her own money and being recognized for her success. But despite this mutual nurturing, Cheney and Wright are flaunting too many of society’s strictest rules. And each winds up paying a BIG price.
I did not find either of them very likable. Both are self-absorbed and care little about either hurting or using others to get what they want. Frank’s ego is monumental and he is overly controlling. He is financially inept, feeding a passion for acquisition even when he has no money, and is leaving massive debts unpaid.
I also found way too many passages that neither advanced the plot, nor were particularly interesting, except clearly demonstrating the author did extensive research. For example, pages and pages detailing which particular plants Frank and Mamah would select for their new home, Taliesin.
If you aren’t familiar with the full history of Frank and Mamah, I offer fair warning that the story takes a tragic turn at the end. Overall, Interesting people to read about, but just an ok novel.
Wright is at the beginning of his career when Mamah and her husband hire him to build them a new home. At the time, he is married with six children but has not yet attained the professional success he would later achieve. However, his revolutionary ideas about embedding nature within home design appeals to both Cheneys. No one expected that Mamah and Frank would discover they were artistic and creative soulmates.
When Mamah leaves her husband and two young children to follow Frank to Europe, she becomes his chief muse and he, in turn, encourages her to put her formidable language skills to work. Mamah begins translating the outspoken ideas of Swedish feminist Ellen Key. Frank works to expand his reputation and clientele and Cheney finds satisfaction in earning her own money and being recognized for her success. But despite this mutual nurturing, Cheney and Wright are flaunting too many of society’s strictest rules. And each winds up paying a BIG price.
I did not find either of them very likable. Both are self-absorbed and care little about either hurting or using others to get what they want. Frank’s ego is monumental and he is overly controlling. He is financially inept, feeding a passion for acquisition even when he has no money, and is leaving massive debts unpaid.
I also found way too many passages that neither advanced the plot, nor were particularly interesting, except clearly demonstrating the author did extensive research. For example, pages and pages detailing which particular plants Frank and Mamah would select for their new home, Taliesin.
If you aren’t familiar with the full history of Frank and Mamah, I offer fair warning that the story takes a tragic turn at the end. Overall, Interesting people to read about, but just an ok novel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Murder, and Violence
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